Special Ed Fast-Track Program Seeks ‘Highly-Motivated’ Teachers

A special education clinical instructor at Purdue University says a new, three-year degree program will help supply a "critical" area of need in the teaching workforce. The university’s College of Education will launch a fast-track version of its special education teaching program this fall and Jasmine Begeske says interest is already high. During an (i) on Education interview on Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, Begeske said a combination of more retirees and fewer students interested in teaching students with physical and intellectual disabilities is driving openings statewide and nationally.

She added the three-year option, which is the first of its kind in the state, is designed for a highly-motivated student "who really wants to get into the classroom." Purdue will also offer a traditional four-year version of the special education degree featuring the same classes and number of credit hours as the three-year degree. "They will be learning throughout the year, as opposed to taking the summer off," Begeske said of the fast-track students. "In the summer, they have some options. They have on-campus classes, or online or study abroad options."

Graduates of the program will be prepared to teach students in need of "mild interventions" and those with autism, ADHD and learning disabilities. Begeske said the program was just unveiled and students are already prepared to sign up for classes. You can connect to more about the accelerated degree by clicking here.